ALBAWABA - Virgin Atlantic, the British airline, is partnering with Joby Aviation, an American venture-backed company, to launch air taxi services in the United Kingdom (UK).
Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation will launch air taxis in the UK
According to sources, the United Kingdom (UK) will offer air taxi services for passengers traveling to and from airports once the service is approved in the country.
Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We’re going to launch it together in the United Kingdom as soon as we practically can. The simple way of thinking about it is: Canary Wharf to New York.”
Notably, Joby Aviation develops an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that it plans to operate as an air taxi service.
The service is expected to be affordable due to low operating costs. The company intends to launch its services in the United States (US) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2026.
Operations in the United Kingdom (UK) will begin once the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority approves the necessary validation. The company plans to offer short 11-minute tours for passengers traveling between Heathrow Airport and Canary Wharf, with prices comparable to those of a luxurious transportation service.
